Superintendent responds to bus incident

May 11, 2012

Photo by Gian DeLoia â€“ Johnsonburg Area School District Superintendent Dennis Crotzer, center, gives a statement on the bus accident during Thursday night's regular school board meeting.

JOHNSONBURG â€“ Johnsonburg Area School District Superintendent Dennis Crotzter responded to the bus accident that occurred on the morning of May 3 that was transporting 25 Elk County children on a field trip to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.
"Last Thursday an incident occurred while the fourth grade class was being transported on their field trip to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh," Crotzer said. "Specifically, lug bolts from a rear wheel of a bus loosened and caused two tires to separate from the axle. The bus was able to pull itself safely to the side of the road, all students were placed on another bus and were transported to the Science Center as planned. I would like to stress that no one was hurt during this incident. Confirmation of this fact was my main concern after being first notified. I along with my staff immediately made several phone calls to assure that each student was safe and uninjured. After I was assured of this fact, I proceeded to gather accurate information about the incident so I could notify families in a responsible manner. At the time there were several false reports being published and I did not want to contribute to those falsehoods.
"My staff and I worked as quickly as possible to collect the facts and convey an accurate message to the media and school families. I believe that we acted promptly and responsibly under the circumstances. I would like to [acknowledge] my staff for their tremendous help and to the chaperones that took care of the students."
In other business, the board voted unanimously in favor of suspending the boys fall soccer season for one year, following a recommendation by the Athletic Committee held prior to the regular meeting.
"A few months ago we requested at the school board meeting for students to sign up for the sports programs that are endangered of being suspended for a year," said board member Shane Launer. "The soccer program only had four boys sign up and we had an athletic meeting earlier today and our athletic committee is recommending we suspend soccer for the fall season for this year."

Pick up a copy of the Friday, May 11, 2012 edition of The Ridgway Record for more.

Johnsonburg Area School District Board of Directors
Next meeting
When: Thursday, June 14
Where: High school library
Time: 7 p.m.